Alexis Bellino and John Janssen are married.
Just over a year after the 48-year-old Real Housewives of Orange County alum got engaged to John, the ex-boyfriend of Shannon Beador, 61, after nine months of dating, they tied the knot in a “rustic chic” wedding at a “whimsical, rustic venue” in Laguna Beach, California.
“This wedding was absolutely a dream come true. Emotional, joyful, sacred, and so us. Truly the most magical day of our lives,” Alexis told PEOPLE on October 4, the day after her and John’s nuptials took place.
Throughout their wedding day, Alexis wore three different looks, including a custom jewel-studded gown by Julie Hurt, owner and founder of Modern Bride and Creative Director & Designer of DiKaSa Bridal Couture in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“We created a timeless, elegant, dress, but I did not want to wear white,” Alexis shared. “I was drawn to the romantic silhouette and how I felt when I put it on: powerful, feminine, and ready to marry the love of my life. My gown was all jewels, so I felt like a diamond walking to him.”
Underneath the dress was a custom metal garter with a cross, which was designed by Truly Blessed Jewels’ Lisa Valenzuela, who also created bracelets for Alexis and John’s daughters.
After the ceremony, Alexis wore two more looks.
“After removing the train and veil I wore during the first hour of the reception, my ceremony gown became sleeker for the reception,” Alexis explained. “My next gown for the reception was short, white, sleeker, lighter, and made for dancing. It still retained all the bridal glamour, but it was comfortable for cake cutting and dancing the night away!”
Alexis and John were joined by 140 attendees, including Tamra Judge, 58, Jo De La Rosa, 45, and Galyna Saltkovska, 47, of McBee Dynasty, who wore “light and earthy tones” in order to “fit the whimsical essence.”
“We envisioned a dreamy, romantic, rustic chic vibe with earthy elegance,” Alexis described.
Of her and John’s “breathtaking” venue, Alexis said she fell in love with it because she “immediately felt the presence” of her mother, Penelope, who died in August 2023, when she arrived.
“Our venue gave us that perfect mix of natural beauty and privacy, nestled between the canyon and the sea,” she explained. “It felt like we were celebrating in a secret garden by the ocean.”
The venue featured “soft whites, dusty rose, greenery, and touches of natural wood.”
After Alexis walked down the aisle to Joey Molina singing Hillsong UNITED’s “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” with a string quartet, she and John shared handwritten vows.
During the ceremony, which was officiated by Alexis and John’s longtime pastor, Jon Krist, the couple spotlighted family, with Alexis’ kids, James, 19, Miles, 17, and Mackenna, 17, who she shares with ex-husband Jim Bellino, 63, and John’s children, Jessica, Juliet, and Joseph, all playing a “meaningful role.”
Then, after enjoying their first dance to Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe,” Alexis and John treated guests to “interactive and fun gourmet food stations,” including at taco bar, carving station, and seafood spread.
For their wedding cake, Alexis and John chose a four-tiered cake with salted chocolate ganache and vanilla filling. They also had a Neapolitan ice cream sundae bar and coffee station for guests.
“We wanted the vibe of an intimate, unique ceremony followed by evolving entertainment throughout the evening and surprises for our guests around every corner!” Alexis shared of the reception. “Also, excellent food, exceptional music and entertainment that would keep the guests wondering what comes next! We wanted moments that felt like us.”
“We wanted every moment to be about connection and celebration,” she continued.
Now that they are married, Alexis and John are looking forward to “more love, more adventure, more family memories.”
“Blending our families fully, building a life rooted in love and faith, and continuing to grow together,” Alexis revealed. “And lots of grandchildren, obviously. With six kids, there will be a lot of grandkids!”
“We’re excited for quiet mornings, six wild adult kids, travels, and new traditions as husband and wife,” she added.